Meet Ashley Graves of My Step

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Graves.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I felt the Lord calling me to serve Him further with the resources He had placed in my hands. As my husband and I own a Print and Digital Marketing Company called Stoneglass Marketing, I felt the Lord called me to print beautiful, modern greeting cards with words that would prove true in every circumstance. Each card is inspired by Scripture, what we know to be true about the character of God and encouragement for this season. Our purpose is to spread the love of Jesus and give to those who serve in His name.

Through this card company, we also financially support those serving God and spreading His word and hope wherever they are planted.  $1.00 of every single card sold goes to non-profit mission organizations.

Thus My Step cards was launched and I am thrilled to share it with you.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Whenever you start a company, there will be hurdles. One hurdle that was most challenging was also the biggest testimony to the Lord’s Will and provision for My Step cards: finding the right people.

The call to start a card company was daunting as it required creativity and experience beyond my skill set. I started dreaming about the goal and vision for the company, the materials we would use and the financial side of My Step before I had any outside influence on these cards. I knew I needed the gifts and talents of others in order to bring the cards to fruition. Similar to how the body of Christ only functions truly when all members use their unique and valuable gifts to build the body up.

As I struggled to find the right team, I began to question God’s will for the company. I pursued different leads for a woman who could be the hands-on creative side of  My Step, someone with the talent to bring my ideas to life. At a when I wasn’t looking, God brought Karis Briscoe into the picture.

Our first conversation was such clear evidence and confirmation of God’s provision. I got her contact from her mother-in-law at Bible study that morning, after she asked for prayers for her son and his wife (Karis) who were moving here from Missouri. She said, “Karis is one of the most creative and Godly women I know.” I contacted her later that afternoon, explained the mission and heart behind this idea, and she was all in.

Now, Karis is the artist behind everything here at My Step. She is a mother of two little girls, faithful wife, and servant of the Lord. She is talented, generous and kind. Each card is handwritten in her calligraphy. We pray that God would be known and glorified through the cards we create. God answered prayer in each of our lives through My Step and we are grateful for sweet reminders that He sees and answers prayers, even (and especially) when we feel defeated.

My Step – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Our mission and our message. There are a lot of greeting card companies. A lot. You don’t realize quite how many until you start one yourself!

We want My Step to bless others in multiple ways. We want our cards to provide simple joys and deep comfort for those who receive them. We want those who send our cards to experience the blessing of  encouraging and comforting another. We desire to bless financially as well. As you know, we give $1.00 of every card sold to those in need, who are faithfully serving God through mission work. The larger our company grows, the more opportunity we have to financially give to those being the hands and feet of Jesus.

Another aspect of the company that sets us apart is that the cards are inspired by Scripture. The Bible has become more and more precious to me through study over the years. Because it is the very words of an infinite God, it is like an ocean of which you will never reach the bottom. When my world has fallen apart, God’s word has been my firm foundation. His promises and His promised kingdom have been my only real comfort.

Our message is that we desire to share these comforts from His word, to place tangible truths in your hands that do not shift or change based on culture or circumstance.

Our mission is that God is known and glorified through cards inspired by His word and through financial giving to non-profit ministries.

In an age where you are connected to everyone and always within reach through a text, email or direct message, we believe it is a special gift to send someone a real and beautiful card; a small yet concrete gift that your friend can hold in their hands. It is a gift to be remembered by a friend in that way and a reflection of the unbelievable reality that we are known and  remembered by the Maker of the universe.

“It is He who remembered us in our low estate, for His steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:23

Let us provide you with the simple, beautiful means to bless another person. Not only are you giving the gift of being remembered and loved but in each card purchase, you are giving to the furthering of gospel work around the globe.

Thank you for your time, thank your for reading. That is a gift that I do not take for granted. I am so excited for this journey, excited to share it with you and pray that God is glorified and makes Himself known through it!

Pricing:

• 5.99 per card

Contact Info:

• Address: ashley@mystepcards.com
• Website: mystepcards.com

Image Credit:
Rosemary Webb Photography

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